How adolescent alcohol use affects pain processing in the brain
Amygdala Modulation of Adolescent Alcohol Effects on Pain
This study looks at how drinking alcohol during the teenage years affects how the brain processes pain later in life, focusing on a specific part of the brain called the amygdala, and it aims to help us understand why young people who drink might experience more pain as adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11055358 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of alcohol consumption during adolescence on pain processing in the brain, specifically focusing on the amygdala. It examines how alcohol exposure alters glutamate signaling and the activity of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), which is crucial for pain perception. By using rodent models, the study aims to understand the persistent changes in brain function that may lead to increased pain disorders in adulthood among adolescent drinkers. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological mechanisms linking adolescent alcohol use and pain sensitivity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12-20 who have a history of alcohol consumption.
Not a fit: Patients who have not consumed alcohol during adolescence or who are over the age of 20 may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment of pain disorders in individuals who consumed alcohol during adolescence.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that alcohol exposure during adolescence can lead to lasting changes in brain function, suggesting that this approach is grounded in established findings.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharfman, Nathan — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Sharfman, Nathan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.